Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices, and Perceptions for Salt/Sodium Reduction in the Gastronomic Sector of Costa Rica

Excess sodium intake is associated with high blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases. This study examined food services in Costa Rica as a major source of sodium. The research included six cafeterias, six fast food establishments, 13 restaurants, and 15 diners using non-probabilistic convenience sampling. Interviews were conducted with workers to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding salt reduction. The findings were analyzed to determine effective intervention strategies. Participants showed regular knowledge about salt/sodium. While they recognized the link with high blood pressure, understanding of other health problems was limited. Positive attitudes were observed toward healthy cooking and reducing sodium in pre-prepared food, especially in restaurants. Over 70% expressed a desire to reduce salt in food services, with more than 80% indicating a need for staff training, particularly in cafeterias lacking knowledge of low-salt preparations. High-sodium ingredients were prevalent, with saltshakers and sauces readily available. However, some individuals were reluctant to reduce salt/sodium intake, citing concerns about taste, food variety, and customer complaints. Obstacles to reducing salt/sodium levels included limited accessibility and the cost of low-sodium ingredients. The data collection tools and methodologies used in this study can serve as a foundation for future investigations and strategies to reduce salt consumption in food services. The study recommends government support for transforming the gastronomic sector and implementing regulations and knowledge enhancement. Collaboration with the productive sector is crucial for creating healthy environments. This research presents valuable evidence regarding the utilization of salt and sodium in the gastronomic sector, thereby assisting in the decision-making process for public health initiatives and the prevention of non-communicable chronic diseases. It highlights the significance of tackling sodium reduction in food services to encourage the adoption of healthy culinary practices and enhance the overall health of the population.

Men’s Knowledge, Attitudes and Perceptions on Family Planning in Tourourou Village, Gogui Rural Commune, Nioro Circle, Kayes Region of Mali

Introduction: The involvement of men in reproductive health programmes and more specifically in family planning has always been of concern to the various development actors at both national and international levels. Objective: To study the births, ideas and opinions of men on Family Planning in the village of Tourourou. Material and Methods: This was a prospective cross-sectional, descriptive and analytic study from February 1 to July 31, 2020 in the village of TOUROUROU on the Knowledge, Attitudes and Perceptions of Men on Family Planning. We included in our study, all men residing in TOUROUROU whose age is between 14 and 99 years, who agreed to participate in the study. Results: Our study involved 200 men. The 25 - 29 age group was the most represented with 25.5%. The Soninke had represented 41%. In our study, 97.5% of men had heard of family planning, 62% had spontaneously cited at least one modern contraceptive method, and the pill ranked first with 64.5%. Radio and friends were the most frequent sources of information with 57.5% and 54.5% respectively. Birth spacing was the most cited family planning goal by men in 43.5% of cases. Men supported the practice of family planning in 50.5% of cases. Conclusion: In the village of Tourourou men play a crucial role in decision-making concerning the health of the couple and the family, their effective involvement in Reproductive Health especially in Family Planning will contribute enormously to the improvement of the health of the family.

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN RESORT LIFE CYCLE AND RESIDENTS' PERCEPTION AND ATTITUDE——A Case Study of Putuo Mountain

The change in residents′ perception and attitude and resort life cycle are the basic problems in the course of resort evolution. This thesis sets up the dynamic model of residents′perception and attitude, analyzes the linkage between residents′ perception and attitude and the influential factors of resort life cycle, and finally, with a case study of Putuo Mountain, preliminarily discusses the relationship between resort life cycle and residents′perception and attitude. The research findings show that, although within development stage of life cycle, Putuo Mountain has already presented some signs of mature stage. The on-the-spot survey also indicates that, the local residents′ positive perception is stronger than their negative perception. But compared with residents in some other coastal resorts such as Haikou and Sanya, negative perception of residents in Putuo Mountain is more evident, as the result of the smaller tourism carrying capacity in Putuo Mountain. There are some influential factors that have great impact on tourism carrying capacity in Putuo Mountain: tourist-resident number ratio, residents′ benefit-cost ratio and characteristics of tourism resources. And the less influential factors are residents′ demographic character, tourist behavioral character and cultural differences between local residents and tourists. Therefore, effective measures should be taken to adjust the structure of tourism product for the purpose of expanding tourism carrying capacity, lowering its pressure, lessening residents′ environmental cost and enhancing their positive perception, which is the most essential prerequisite for the maturation of life cycle in Putuo Mountain.

Study on the Impacts of Tourism Development in Letong Ancient Town:A Resident Perception-Based Approach

Residents constitute the principal elements of regional tourism deveopment,and their behavioral cognition will play a certain role in promoting local tourism development.In recent years,although tourism along the Sichuan-Tibet Line(318 and 317 routes)has made some progress,there are some problems,such as homogenization of products,a single local culture,and inconspicuous brand characteristics.At the same time,due to the remote geographical location,living conditions,health conditions,and other imperfections,resulting in greater constraints on tourism development.This article employs Letong Ancient Town as a representative case study,and discusses the impact of tourism development on the local economy,environment,society,and culture from the perspective of residents’perception through field research and data analysis,thereby providing a reference for regional tourism development.

A Study of the Residents’Perception on the Socio-cultural Impact of Coastal Tourism

In the process of tourism development,destination residents,as an important interest group,their perception and attitude towards the impact of tourism has a vital significance to the success of the development of coastal tourism industry.This research studies the perception and attitude to the socio-cultural impact of community residents who live in coastal tourism destination Qingdao through an empirical case study.The results of the study draw that residents’perception of positive influences produce positive effects on their attitude while perception of negative impact generates negative effects.Cluster analysis and descriptive statistical analysis were used to divide Qingdao community residents into four types,namely optimistic supporters,pessimistic opponents,rational supporters,and neutral.Through the different categories of demographic analysis and logistic regression model analysis,the influence degree of residents’subjective factors posed on tourism effect perception has been explored.The research adds a new applied case study for a comprehensive understanding of impacts of coastal tourism destinations.

What Is the Impact of Major Diversion Attitude on Undergraduates' Learning Gains?--The Mediating Role of Course Perception

Major diversion is an important part of the large-category student enrollment and training model.The degree to which undergraduates recognize the logic of the major diversion system,their satisfaction with the diverted major,and their major identity after diversion all influence their subsequent learning process and outcomes.The questionnaire survey of undergraduates in this study discovered that major diversion attitude has a significant positive effect on undergraduates'learning gains;the mediating effect test discovered that course perception plays a partially mediating role between major diversion attitude and learning gains.Therefore,under the large-category student enrollment and training model,it is necessary to improve the major diversion system in terms of formulation,major selection guidance,and major identity promotion.Furthermore,strengthening the logical connection and content coupling of different types of courses,dealing with the proportion,priority,and sequence of courses,optimizing the allocation of course resources,and reasonably planning and setting courses all play an important role in improving undergraduate learning gains.

Factors influencing hybrid maize farmers' risk attitudes and their perceptions in Punjab Province,Pakistan

Hybrid maize farmers have to face diverse kinds of climate, biological, price and financial risks. Farmers＇ risk perceptions and risk attitudes are essential elements influencing farm operations and management decisions. However, this important issue has been overlooked in the contemporary studies and therefore there is a dearth of literature on this important issue. The present research is therefore, an attempt to fill this gap. This study aims to quantify hybrid maize farmers＇ perceptions of disastrous risks, their attitudes towards risk and to explore the impacts of various farm and farm household factors on farmers＇ risk attitudes and risk perceptions. The present study is conducted in four hybrid maize growing districts of Punjab Province, Pakistan, using cross-sectional data of 400 hybrid maize farmers. Risk matrix and equally likely certainty equivalent （ELCE） method are used to rank farmers＇ perceptions of four catastrophic risk sources including climate, biological, price and financial risks and to investigate farmers＇ risk aversion attitudes, respectively. Furthermore, probit regression is used to analyze the determinants affecting farmers＇ risk attitudes and risk perceptions. The results of the study showed that majority of farmers are risk averse in nature and perceive price, biological and climate to be potential sources of risks to their farm enterprise. In addition, analysis divulges that distance from farm to main market, off-farm income, location dummies for Sahiwal and Okara, age, maize farming experience, access to extension agent, significantly （either negatively or positively） influence farmers＇ risk attitudes and risk perceptions. The study delivers valuable insights for farmers, agricultural insurance sector, extension services researchers and agricultural policy makers about the local understanding of risks to hybrid maize crop in developing countries, like Pakistan, and have implications for research on farmers＇ adaptation to exposed risks.

Undergraduate nursing students' knowledge of aging, attitudes toward and perceptions of working with older adults in Kathmandu Nepal

Objectives: This study aims to examine Nepalese undergraduate nursing students' knowledge of aging,attitudes towards older adults and perceptions of working with older adults,and to assess differences in these outcomes by socio-demographic characteristics as well as type of nursing program.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 385 undergraduate nursing students in six nursing colleges located in the Kathmandu Valley,Knowledge of aging,attitudes toward older adults and perceptions of working with older adults were assessed using standardized tools,the Palmore Facts on Aging Quiz,Kogan's Attitudes towards Older People Scale,and Nolan's Intent to Work with Older People Questionnaire,respectively.Results: The mean knowledge scores on older adults and aging were relatively low;participants scored an average of 26.9 out of 50.Scores assessing attitudes towards and perceptions of working with older adults were more favorable.Compared to students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN),students pursuing a Bachelor of Nursing (BN) had a significantly higher score on the knowledge,attitudes and perception of aging scales.Linear regression analyses showed that the students' knowledge of aging (β =0.55;95% CI =0.25-0.86) and perceptions of working with older adults (β =0.22;95% Cl =0.05 -0.38) had a significant positive association with their attitudes toward older adults.Conclusions: Undergraduate nursing students in the Kathmandu Valley of Nepal displayed a relatively low level of knowledge,but a positive attitude towards older adults,and a positive perception of working with older adults.Observed differences in knowledge,attitude,and perception scores between students in BSN and BN programs needs further investigation;closing this gap may be important for bolstering undergraduate gerontological preparation in Nepal.

RESIDENTS' ATTITUDES TO TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN ANCIENT VILLAGE RESORTS——Case Study of World Cultural Heritage of Xidi and Hong Villages

Tourism development surely has social, economic and environmental impacts on tourist destinations.The study on resorts residents' attitudes can help understand the nature of tourism development and the extent to which it may influence on tourist destinations. By now, researches on residents' perception and attitudes are plenteous in the international circle and achievements are great, yet few are found in developing countries. As a most representative cultural tourist destination, World Cultural Heritage-Xidi and Hong villages in Yi County of Anhui Province, are drawing the attention of both tourists and academic circles. This article, taking Xidi and Hong villages as examples, seeks to analyze ancient village residents' attitudes towards tourism impacts and then tries further to explore the connection between tourism development and residents' attitudes. Both qualitative and quantitative surveys are applied in the exploratory investigation into local residents' attitudes of tourism impacts. Based on abundant face-to-face interviews with the local households, tourism enterprises concerned, local government and tourists from July to August of 2002, we are able to have a better understanding of local residents' attitudes to community life, and perception of tourism impacts on society, economy and environment. By this we can promote domestic study on resorts residents' attitudes, and provide some theoretical grounds for establishing tourism development planning and perfect community participation system at tourist destinations.

Knowledge, Attitudes and Perceptions of Secondary School Teenagers towards HIV Transmission and Prevention in Rural and Urban Areas of Central Uganda

HIV/AIDS has remained a challenge in Uganda among adolescent despite the ABC strategy used globally to prevent HIV infection. The study assessed the knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of secondary school teenagers towards HIV transmission and prevention in rural and urban schools of central Uganda. A cross sectional study using self-administered questionnaires and structured interviews was used to collect data from adolescents in secondary schools in Kampala and Buikwe districts. Eight schools were randomly selected with 4 schools in each district. A total of 245 students from schools were recruited in the study with 120 and 125 students from urban Kampala and rural Buikwe district schools respectively. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 11. The results were expressed as percentages in a 2 × 2 tables. The mean age of the participants was 15.9 ± 2.5 years. Results showed that 95.1% participants had knowledge on HIV/AIDS in both urban and rural schools and 27.4% knew all the modes of HIV transmission. About 83.7% knew the ABC strategy for HIV prevention and 37.6% would talk about HIV/AIDS mainly with friends. For HIV cure, 62.0% of study participants reported non-cure and 24.9% were not sure. The remaining 13.1% of the study participants in both urban and rural schools reported that HIV can be cured. And the modes of curing HIV that were mentioned by participants included spiritual healing, transmitting it to others through sexual intercourse and that antiretroviral (ARVs) drugs can cure it as well as that it can be cured abroad. About 65.7% of participants reported recognition of one with HIV/ AIDS and by having red lips, being sickly;weight loss, skin rash and being very rich were mentioned. About 39.2% of the study participants mentioned that they cannot get infected with HIV and can’t contract HIV at all and 18.4% believed that chances of getting HIV infection were high. On perception and attitude on condoms and their use, participants reported that it is a sign of mistrust, reduces sexual pleasures and they are embarrassing to buy. Majority of the participants in both urban and rural schools had some knowledge on HIV/AIDS and the ABC strategy for HIV prevention. However, there was a knowledge gap on the various modes of HIV transmission and prevention. There was misconception of the participants on HIV/AIDS cure, condom use and on the chances of contracting HIV. About the source of HIV/AIDS information, majority of the participants were getting information on HIV/AIDS from friends of which some information was misleading. This false information could be the reason for the increased HIV prevalence reported among the adolescents in the schools. Generally, participants had some knowledge on HIV/AIDS though they had knowledge gap on HIV transmission and prevention.

Residents’ Attitudes Towards Tourism in a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems Pilot Site: a Case Study in China

Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) is a wide program to promote the conservation and adap-tive management of such systems and their associated landscapes, biodiversity, knowledge systems and cultures. Rice-Fish Systems (RFS) in Longxian village of China, as a traditional agricultural system, was selected as one of the five pilot sites of GIAHS in 2005. Researchers have paid more attention to the dynamic conser-vation and adaptive management of RFS because it is under severe threats from global development challenges. Tourism is suggested to be brought into the RFS conservation program as an alternative industry. This paper presents a comparative study of residents in three types of farm household in Longxian, seeking attitudes to the RFS conservation and tourism development and ways in which such information may guide future strategies. Results show resi-dents, belonging to the household type in which most family mem-bers are abroad, have the most positive attitudes to RFS conserva-tion and tourism development; while residents, as other household type in which less than 50% of family members are abroad, are the least sensitive group in these three household types, due to the motivation of moving abroad weakening their enthusiasm to participate in the local activities. Implications are discussed in the context of how resident attitudes will affect the future manage-ment of GIAHS conservation and tourism development, and then measures are put forward to foster tourism cooperation and multi-stakeholders process establishment.

TOD residents' attitudes toward walking to transit station: a case study of transit-oriented developments(TODs) in Bangkok,Thailand

The study aims to analyze the attitude toward walking to the stations of residents living within 1 km of transit stations, or they are called transit-oriented development(TOD) residents. They are highly expected to walk to transit station and use rail in their daily travel. In this research, 249 respondents are asked 10 questions on attitudes of walking to station. The analysis was conducted in two stages: factor analysis and structural equation model. As the current access mode of respondents,walkers are more likely to be low-income households.People using motorized mode are mostly from middle-to high-income, households the largest group of respondents.For walking acceptance, high-income group accepts distance and time shorter than other incomes. Low-income households can accept the longer walking distance but shorter time. Middle-income households are more likely to walk in shorter distance than lower-income households,but they tend to accept longer walking time than others.As for the analysis results, the feeling of walking among all respondents significantly influences the walking acceptance. The benefit of walking significantly influences walking acceptance only among middle-income households. The walking attitudes on convenience, safety, a sense of freedom, healthiness, and environmental friendliness highly affect respondents' acceptable walking distance and time in TODs.

Knowledge, Attitudes and Perceptions Influencing Cervical Cancer Screening among Women in Kitwe District, Copperbelt Province, Zambia

Background: Cervical Cancer is one such a disease that remains with high mortality unless prevented or detected early and managed. It is one of the most common cancers of the child bearing age between 20 and 45 years world over. It is rated as the second most prevalent cancer among women. There is high consensus among various scholars that high quality screening, effective treatment and routine follow-up care are cardinal in helping women. The main objective of the study was to identify the factors influencing cervical cancer screening in Kitwe District, Zambia. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study design was employed that included the use of a researcher-administered questionnaire. Simple random sampling was used to sample 210 participants. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25 and chi-square test was used to determine associations among variables. Binary logistic regression was used for multivariate analysis. Statistical significance was set at p Results: The age of the women enrolled in the study ranged from 20 to 59 years, with a mean age of 30.4 years (SD: 8.36). Majority (46.2%) of the women were aged between 25 to 34 years and the mean age reported for sexual debut among respondents was 19.7 (SD: 4.01) years ranging from 12 to 31 years at first sexual encounter. Almost all (99%) the women were Christians and 42.9% had attained secondary school education. Fifty nine (59%) of the respondents were married and 77.6% had children. Over three quarters (77.6%) of the respondents were knowledgeable on cervical cancer and screening, majority (61%) of the respondents demonstrated a more positive attitude towards cervical cancer screening, and the overall perception level among study respondents was more positive (71.9%). The findings of the present study indicated that the magnitude of cervical cancer screening was 44.8%. In the binary logistic regression analysis, older age (35 to 44 years: AOR = 10.91, 95% CI: 2.67 - 44.48, p = 0.001;45 to 59 years: AOR = 10.28, 95% CI: 1.52 - 69.68, p = 0.017, respectively), and having a positive attitude (AOR = 67.5, 95% CI: 15.42 - 295.44, p < 0.001) were independently associated with cervical cancer screening utilization. Conclusion: The study has shown that despite women having adequate knowledge, positive attitudes and perceptions, the number of women who had been screened was still low. However, middle aged and older women, and positive attitudes were found to independently influence women to go for cervical cancer screening. Therefore, attempts should be made to reach women who rarely visit health care services, for example, through increasing health campaigns in partnership with other organizations in the area.

A Pilot Study of Singapore＇s Young Chinese Parent＇sPerceptions, Attitude and Behaviours Towards Bilingual Learning

This study aims to study parents＇ attitude, perceptions, and behaviours towards bilingual education in Singapore＇sbilingual social context. The study involves 78 young Singapore＇s Chinese parents, using mixed methodologiesincluding multiple choice questionnaire, interview, checklist, and focus group discussion to collect data. Qualitativeand quantitative researches have shown four important findings. First, young parents acknowledge the importanceof learning mother tongue to maintain cultural heritage. They also realize that Chinese could become their nextgeneration＇s crucial social capital in the future. Those families have great potential in raising bilingual children.Second, more attention should be paid to the gap between young parents＇ positive attitude and passive behaviourin supporting children＇s bilingual learning. Third, there are some misunderstandings about bilingual learning.

Residents’ Perceptions of the Tourism Impacts on a Mature Destination: The Case of Madeira Island

Residents play a fundamental role in the quality of tourists’experiences and satisfaction derived from a visit and,thus,in the success of a tourism destination.This paper addresses the perceptions that residents have the impacts of tourism on Madeira Island,a mature tourism destination.Based on data extracted from a survey administered to residents during August and September 2018,we inquired on the extent to which they maintain a positive perception of the impacts of the tourist industry.The survey tried to address the residents’perceptions of economic,cultural,social,or environmental impacts.In the analysis of the data,both descriptive and multivariable statistical methods were used.The empirical results attained indicate that residents feel that there is no excess of tourism on the island.They do not fail to realize that there are a few negative consequences,but the positive ones got better scores on average.Being an inhabitant of an urban or a rural site did not seem to influence differently the perceptions gathered on the contribution of tourism to the overall development of Madeira Island.This type of analysis can serve as a useful tool for tourism planners and managers in order to prevent or minimize eventual negative impacts of the tourism industry as felt by the local inhabitants and,thus,for creating the required policies.

Motorists’Perceptions and Attitudes towards Ethanol Blended Fuel in Zimbabwe

Most developing and developed countries have enacted mandatory legislation for use of biofuels(bioethanol)in the transport sector.For most developing countries,the use of biofuels meant to increase energy security,save foreign currency,mitigate climate change,create jobs and rural development.However,motorists have limited knowledge on blended biofuels.This study seeks to investigate the level of awareness and prevailing attitudes of motorists in Zimbabwe where a mandatory ethanol blending policy was recently introduced.The study uses data derived from 200 respondents,to whom a questionnaire was administered.The major challenge faced by motorists is the lack of sufficient information on ethanol blends in general including how they can get their engines modified to take high ethanol blends.About 63.1% were not clear about the technical attributes of ethanol blended fuel especially as it relates to engine efficiency.Secondly,some motorists experienced a number of problems ranging from poor idling(36%),lack of power(19.5%)and difficulties with engine starting(16.5%).Despite all these complaints,54% of the respondents generally exhibit a positive attitude towards ethanol blended fuel and 60.3% said that they were keen to recommend blended fuel to other motorists.An appropriate institutional,legal and policy framework that supports massive awareness campaigns for use of bioethanol for the transport sector can go a long way to dispel negative perceptions associated with ethanol blends.